NPSC approves Keystone XL Pipeline Project, 3-2 Vote

by Winnie Dortch

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Lincoln,Neb(FOX42KPTM)-The Nebraska Public Service Commission approved construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline through Nebraska. It was a 3-2 vote. However, some landowners are not happy about the decision.

"I am very disappointed, I was hoping that the Public Service Commission would work in favor of the public, rather than the pipeline," Karen Berry said. She owns a farm in Antelope County Nebraska. She has 80 acres of land.

Although it was approved, it's not TransCanada preferred route, but the Mainline Alternative Route.

"It's kind of a split decision so that means there's a lot more room for appeals," David Corbin said. He's a part of the Sierra Club. It's an environmental group.

The decision comes after a long fight with landowners, a week-long hearing, months of deliberation and letters from the public.

TransCanada released a statement:

"As a result of today's decision, we will conduct a careful review of the Public Service Commission's ruling while assessing how the decision would impact cost and schedule of the project."

"The government is giving eminent domain to a foreign company," Corbin said.

It's an $8 billion project. The 1,179-mile pipeline would transport oil from Canada to the Gulf Coast in the U.S. This means it could affect a lot of peoples' lands. However, TransCanada says this new project could bring more jobs to people in Nebraska.

"They have told so many lies that I don't believe what they say about the jobs," Berry said.

She says her land is part of a family tradition.

"It's a fertile, beautiful piece of land and I don't want to have it wrecked or taken away."

Any parties against the pipeline will have 30 days to file an appeal of the decision with the courts.